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Kanu Should Allow Us Plead His Case – Umahi; Says IPOB Fighting Criminals

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, wants a political solution to the insecurity in the South-east, a consequence, most people think, of the anger of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra against the Federal Government, over the well-noted marginalisation of the South-east.

Another problem he thinks a political solution could be possible, is the Nnamdi Kanu case. But on this, he put a caveat: ” It is for our people and our brother, Kanu to be willing for us to truly  engage so that we can find true peace in our region.” He, however, added that President Muhammadu Buhari does not interfere in judicial processes, but added, I doesn’t have to be the President engaging in such negotiations.

Umahi spoke at the State House, Abuja, where he went to tell President Muhammadu Buhari that he would run to succeed him in office in 2023.

And in what can be regarded  as an about- face, Kanu said IPOB was fighting criminals, but noted that it was late in the day. He said: “Today the matter has gone beyond IPOB. You know, every criminal, kidnapper, armed robber tends to claim IPOB, and IPOB in turn is fighting them. But I think it is late.”

He said that these criminal activities, including IPOB restrictions have destroyed the economy of the South-east because nobody listened to them (Igbo leaders) when they talked, and pleaded restriction of such activities.

Umahi: “Let me also add that as the Chairman of South-East Governors’ Forum, that I support a political solution to our insecurity problems in South-East; and of course, I mentioned it to Mr President.

“You see, political solution does not terminate the judicial process.

“And if you know, Mr President, very well, he has always said, and has always demonstrated, that he wouldn’t interfere with any judicial process; everybody knows him for that.

“If agreement is reached between parties, you don’t expect Mr President to be the negotiator; there are a lot of Federal Government officials.

“So, I believe strongly that as South-East is proposing for political solution, they should be able to engage the Federal Government.

“After all, there’s always what is called ‘out-of-court settlement’, but it is for our people and our brother Kanu to be willing for us to truly engage so that we can find true peace in our region.

“Because, the activities there have destroyed, a lot of the economy of south-East, a lot of lives have been lost and (even) when we were shouting that it wasn’t going to benefit us, because agitation shouldn’t have gone the way it did.

“Today, the matter has gone beyond (IPOB). You know, every criminal, kidnapper, armed robber tends to claim IPOB and IPOB in turn is fighting them; but I think it is late.

“So we desire peace, we desire to save the lives of our people and, so, we are willing to engage, to see that we have, you know, an amicable settlement, rebuild the economy of South-East.”

Emekuku Ancient Kingdom Mourns, Announces The Passing Of Chief (Mrs) Marwa

By
The Source
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Zainab Salome Marwa

By Charles Igbo

The Traditional Ruler of Emekuku Ancient Kingdom, His Majesty, Eze Obi Ejeshi, the Ezeukwu IV,  has announced the passing of a renowned daughter of the Kingdom, Chief (Mrs) Zainab Salome Marwa, nee Agbaso.

HRM made the announcement in conjunction with the Eze-in-Council, the Town, Union, and the Youth Council on behalf of the good people of Emekuku Ancient Kingdom.

Mrs Marwa, was the first wife of the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA,  Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa, with whom he has four adult children, including  a senior Army officer, Mohammed Marwa, jnr.

Mrs Marwa, a former First Lady of Borno State, died in Abuja, on January 8, 2022, at the age of 66 years.

Announcing her death in a statement he personally signed, Eze Obi Ejeshi said Emekuku has lost a kindhearted daughter who, when alive, championed the cause of women and the girl-child.

Following is the full text of the statement entitled:

Emekuku Announces, Mourns The Passing of Mrs Marwa

“His Royal Majesty, Obi Ejeshi, Ezeukwu iv, of  Emekuku Ancient Kingdom, Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State, the Eze-in-Council, the Emekuku Town Union, and the good people of the Ancient Kingdom, announce, with palpable shock, the passing of our beloved daughter and sister, Chief (Mrs) Zainab Salome Nwangboliwe Marwa, née Agbaso, (Igolo)

“Mrs Marwa, a respected and revered daughter of the Kingdom, was a former First Lady of Borno State.

“In that position, she championed the cause of women and the girl-child, a passion she continued to pursue until her untimely death.

“Born to the family of Papa Nathaniel (Agadaga) and Mama Anna (Charity) Agbaso of Ezedibia, Emekuku, she got married to her childhood  sweetheart, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa, (rtd), currently the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), with whom she had four adult, very successful, children, and ten grandchildren.

“A good-hearted and kind woman, she was the beloved elder sister of our illustrious sons, Chief Martin Agbaso (Ochoudo), and the former Deputy Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Sir Jude Agbaso as well as other siblings.

“Mrs Marwa will be missed, sorely, by the entire people of the Ancient Emekuku Kingdom.

“We mourn with the Agbaso family, and pray for the repose of her soul.

Burial arrangements will be as announced by the Marwa and Agbaso families.”

Inflation: Nigeria Must Devalue Naira More, Says IMF

By
Uche Mbah
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By Uche Mbah

The International Monetary Fund, (IMF), Monday advised Nigeria and other African countries to devalue their currencies if they must play in the global scale.

The Naira has been under pressure by international currencies, especially the dollar, with a slow but steady slide. Currently, it fluctuates above N500 to the dollar.

Analysts had predicted an exchange rate of a thousand Naira to the dollar   before 2023.

The IMF which is due to release fresh global economic forecasts on January 25, advised the CBN and other Central Banks of emerging markets to be open with their plans to tighten policy, particularly those with high profile debts denominated jn foreign currencies.

In a post published on Monday, the IMF urged central banks to clearly and consistently communicate their plans to tighten policy, adding that countries with high levels of debt denominated in foreign currencies need to allow market forces determine the currency exchange regime.

In a statement, they cited the omicron variant as an additional pressure on the supply side of inflation.

“These changes have made the outlook for emerging markets more uncertain. These countries also are confronting elevated inflation and substantially higher public debt,” the IMF said.

“Average gross Government debt in emerging markets is up by almost 10 percentage points since 2019 reaching an estimated 64 percent of GDP by end 2021, with large variations across countries.

“But, in contrast to the United States, their economic recovery and labor markets are less robust. While dollar borrowing costs remain low for many, concerns about domestic inflation and stable foreign funding led several emerging markets last year, including Brazil, Russia, and South Africa, to start raising interest rates.

It noted that the inflation curve may flatten by the middle of the year to to better supply initiatives.

“Should policy rates rise and inflation moderate as expected, history shows that the effects for emerging markets are likely benign if tightening is gradual, well telegraphed, and in response to a strengthening recovery,” it said.

AFCON 2022: Super Eagles Defeat Egypt To Go Top Of Group D

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles Vs Pharaoh of Egypt - AFCON 2022

By Akinwale Kasali

Kelechi Iheanacho’s 30- minute strike was all Super Eagles of Nigeria needed to get the maximum Three Points against the Pharaohs of Egypt in their Group D encounter at Garoua Stadium, Cameroon.

From the blast of the whistle, the Super Eagles were thorns in the flesh of the North African rivals, firing from all cylinders.

Interim Coach, Augustine Eguavoen, started the match with Maduka Okoye in goal.

William Troost Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi started at the defense line up, with Wilfred Ndidi and Joe Aribo in the midfield.

Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi led the attack and gave the Egyptian defense a tough time.

The partnership of Iheanacho and Awoniyi was outstanding, as the pair created several scoring opportunities through the help of Simon.

Mohammed Salah was a shadow of himself all through the encounter as he was silenced by the duo of Ekong and Omeruo, who marshaled the Super Eagles defense.

With the victory, Super Eagles go top of the Group, starting  the 2022 African Cup of Nations campaign on a good note.

The Super Eagles will file out against Sudan in four days time for the second match of the Group game at the Garoua Stadium.

Yoruba Group Insists on Igbo Presidency

By
Uche Mbah
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Akin Malaolu

By Uche Mbah

Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum, a socio-political group in the South-west  region has thrown its weight behind the quest by the South-east to produce the Igbo President  in  2023 despite the Yoruba being in the same race.

On January 11, Bola Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos state, declared his intention to contest the Presidency after a closed door meeting with President Buhari.

In a statement signed by its President, Mr. Akin Malaolu, Tuesday, the group vowed never to support any other Presidential   aspirant apart from one from  the South-east east.

According to them, Tinubu’s ambition is trouble-shooting.

Entitled “Tinubu’s Presidential Ambition is a Trouble-making Adventure”, the statement read in part: “It is no longer a speculation that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is interested in becoming the next president of Nigeria come 2023. It is within his right as a Nigerian to go for it. But for the purpose of further clarity, we see the move to visit the President as a trouble-making mis-step purposely to create an impact that may unbalance the present drivers of the party, the Progressive Governor’s Forum and enlarge the fault lines already visible and to midwife a division within.

“This attitude is uncalled for, particularly from any democrat that is worthy of being a member of an association and at a time the Nation is looking for peace.

“Moreover,  It is important for us to set the record straight, that the presidential interest from any tribe other than from the IGBOS may take the nation into a deeper political trouble that may set the nation ablaze if care is not taking.

“Those who see Alhaji Abubakar Atiku’s and Tinubu’s interest as their “Right” obviously also believed that Igbo interest is a “Hope” and we can from this stage imagine what calamity we have created for 250million of lives and families and how quickly we have destroyed the bridges made by southern Governors for our common struggle and to the understanding of our people in the North and South that oneness amongst ourselves and within our diversity is more important than the interest of political brigands and their fair weather helpers.

“As leaders of thought in the Southwest, we have taken inventory of conditions in our diversity and our findings convinced us that the fate of our vast people and ethnic nationalities across Nigeria can only be made well, if we rotate the office of the president amongst ourselves and in a uniform fashion. It is very important for leaders both in the South and North to put some sort of order in their feelings and form a new basis for their future actions to avoid taken 250 million of our people into  near war scenarios.

“We have looked in astonishment on all of our political and religious decisions so far, and  as leaders and fathers, with a mixture of pride and apprehension, watch leaders achieve a scandalous and applauded fame in political tricks.

“We therefore plead with leaders mostly in the south not to play the “Traitor Role”.

“We have taken a position to support IGBO presidency come 2023, the declaration we have also made and we are not going to take it back.

“On Igbo presidency we still stand.”

Igbo who have declared their Presidential ambition are Anyim Pius Anyim, former Senate President, and Chief Sam Ohuabunwa.

While Anyim is from Ebonyi State, Ohuabunwa is from Abia State.

NCDC Partners Eight States On Covid 19 Rapid Diagnostic Testing

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state is among the eight states picked by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC) as one of the centres for the implementation of Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Testing (AgRDT) on Covid 19 pandemic.

Already, officials of the NCDC have arrived Akure, the Ondo State capital to begin the execution of the project.

The team, from the NCDC paid an advocacy visit to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka in Akure

during which members were assured of the state government’s unflinching support and were briefed on efforts of the administration in tackling the pandemic.

The Commissioner expressed optimism that complementing the ongoing efforts on vaccination with testing would undoubtedly eradicate the pandemic completely.

The Leader of the team, Mr.Celestine Ameh, who noted that the title of the project is ‘COVID-19: Scaling Impact Through Agenda RDT’ called for collaborations and synergy, stressing that the eight states in the country including Ondo  have been selected for the project.

Ameh pointed out that the World Health Organization, (WHO) workstream prioritised active, exhaustive case finding and immediate testing, adding that Nigeria has keyed into the strategy of scale up on testing on COVID-19.

He explained that the main objective of the project is to increase COVID-19 testing capacities towards preventing local outbreaks.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Director, Disease Control and Immunization at the Ondo State Primary Health Care Agency(OSPHCA), Dr. Victor Adefesoye said Ondo State is ready to collaborate with NCDC knowing fully well that the project would impact positively on the people of the state.

Adefesoye stressed the need to complement the ongoing vaccination against COVID-19 with testing in order to achieve better outcomes adding that the new strategy would undoubtedly ensure a high coverage of testing for the disease.

The Director, Epidemiology and Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Dr. Stephen Fagbemi noted that the project is the second phase of intervention projects Ondo State would get as the World Health Organisation(WHO) had earlier supported the state.

Fagbemi described the state’s positivity level as going higher in the new year, saying that the situation was an indication that there is the need to scale up efforts in testing.

The State Epidemiologist disclosed that the proposed COVID-19 testing strategies of the state include the establishment of mobile RDT testing sites, strengthening and scaling up of facility RDT sites and establishment of community testing sites.

Shonekan, Nationalist, Committed To Peace, Unity Of Nigeria – Akeredolu, As Gov Obaseki Mourns

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ernest Sonekan

By Ayodele Oni

Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has joined others to mourn the passage of  former Nigeria’s Head of Interim Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, stated that “Governor Akeredolu received the news of the death of elder statesman and former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan with a heavy heart.

“Governor Akeredolu described his death as a huge loss to the country, while noting that the vast experience of the elder statesman was an asset to the country, particularly with the array of challenges confronting the nation.

“The Governor said the late Shonekan was committed to the peace and unity of the country, and pursued it with vigor and dedication as a patriot.

“Arakunrin Akeredolu maintained that the service of the former Head of Interim National Government will never be forgotten in the annals of history of the country.

“Chief Ernest Shonekan was a Nationalist per excellence. His belief in a United and Peaceful Nigeria was unparalleled.

“He was dedicated to the progress and development of the county. He will be sorely missed.

“His historic and patriotic role in maintaining the unity of the country was one of the many things that endeared him to many.

“He was indeed, an asset, his counsels were  useful for national cohesion and progress.

“Governor Akeredolu prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest, while commiserating with his wife, the government and people of Ogun State.”

In his condolence message, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said “I am saddened by the passing of Nigeria’s former Interim Head of National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan at the age of 85.

“Shonekan was an unassuming leader and a cerebral lawyer, who helped to steady our nation during the turbulent years of Nigeria’s Third Republic.

“Committed to the good of our dear country, he played his part, making sacrifices to set Nigeria on the path of progress even with the dark clouds that hovered over our affairs in the 1990s.

“As the founder of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, his commitment to private and free enterprise remains indelible in the annals of our history.

“It is heartbreaking that Chief Shonekan will not be available to offer his priceless advice and guidance as we approach another election season.”

He noted that the late Chief Shonekan will be remembered for his fortitude while he was on the saddle as Interim Head of National Government as well as the genuine effort made to guide Nigeria back to democratic rule.

“I commiserate with all Nigerians, the Government and people of Ogun State and his immediate family and pray that God grants us all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Students Union Group Gives Gov Fayemi Seven Days To Fulfil Agreement

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The  Federation Of Ekiti State Students’ Union, (FESSU) is set for a showdown with Ekiti state Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi over some unfulfilled promises by his administration.

National House Of Senate (HOS) of FESSU comprising assembly of all chapter presidents has written to Governor Fayemi and gave him seven days autimatum to meet some of the agreements reached with the students.

In the letter, signed by National Senate President, Oluwatosin Jeje, and Clerk of the House, Felix Fagbuaro, the students’ leaders informed that “The Federation of Ekiti State Students’ Union (FESSU) is a body saddled with the responsibility of all Ekiti State indigenous students’ welfare in all tertiary institutions across the country and beyond.

“Sir, it is pathetic and seriously embarrassing that Ekiti State, which should be an emblem of good academic disposition and proper representation of her students, has lost its face in the community of indigenous students in Nigeria under your government.

“The office of the Special Assistant on Youth and Students Matters to your office has become ineffective and impotent.

“For it is most honorable to speak when silence is no more golden and epicurean, we realized that the Ekiti State government lack fulfillment of promises to the students’ community and their association under your watch.

“Referring Your Excellency to 27th July 2021 at Ekiti State Governor’s Office, the students’ leadership met with you, after proper consultation and deliberation, some promises were made by the state government before the FESSU National Leadership, but none of those promises has been fulfilled till date.

“The list of promises made by Your Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ekiti State are as follows: Bursary and scholarship for Ekiti State indigenous students in all tertiary institutions nationwide as promised by the State Governor.

“Provision of Permanent Secretariat for the union (FESSU); provision of mobility for the union; provision of incentive for the smooth running of the union; empowerment and employment of youth in Ekiti State.

“These requests have been an everyday chorus to your government, which when we had the opportunity of meeting you, it was our primary discussion and the government made the promise to attend to it.

“We met with the Special Assistance on Youth and Students Matters, Mr. Moses Ademiloye who later affirmed that the bursary and scholarship which is the major benefit of all Ekiti State students under your government, has been approved and would be paid last year and other sacred requests of the union would be attended to latest on the 11th month of 2021.

“This statement seemed to be fake or we should call it empty promises and we believe that it is high time we get tired of empty promises.

“We, therefore, deem it fit and appropriate to write the office of Your Excellency and await a response before we consider our next course of action in respect of the Ekiti State Students and Youth welfare.

“We hereby demand for immediate response to our request from the office of Your Excellency within seven working days and we are also compelled to notify you of our resolution to hit the street of Ekiti State capital, Ado Ekiti, peacefully and exercise our civic right to meet our agitation for all our demands for all indigenous students across the federation in various higher institutions.”

Ernest Shonekan, Former Head of State, Dies

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Ernest Sonekan

By Adesina Soyooye and Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria’s former Interim Head of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan is dead.

A great entrepreneur, and a roaring success in the Private Sector, which climaxed in his successful headship of the UAC,  Shonekan was a surprise choice by then Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, to Head an Interim National Chairman, after Babangida was forced  to step aside following the June 12 1993 Presidential election fiasco in which  Babangida and his regime canceled the election, and denied the presumed winner, Chief MKO Abiola, victory. Abiola died in the custody of the Military junta.

Shonekan was the Interim Head of State between August 26 and November 17, 1993.

He was removed in a Palace   coup by his Minister of Defence, General Sani Abacha.

Born Ernest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan,  he was married to Margaret with whom she had children.

A lawyer, he held the title of Abese of Egbaland, and held the National Honour of  Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR.

Shonekan was educated at CMS Grammar School and Igbobi College, Lagos, and received a Law degree from the University of London.  He later attended Harvard Business School.

Shonekan joined the United Africa Company of Nigeria in 1964, at the time a subsidiary of the United Africa Company, which played a prominent role in the British colonisation of Nigeria. He rose through the ranks, and  was made Chairman and Managing Director in 1980.

He died, aged 85 years, at the Evecare Hospital, Lekki, Lagos State.

Standard Chartered Bank To Sack 500 Employees

By
Bayo Bernard
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By Fola James

Standard Chartered Bank has thrown over 500 of its Nigeria employees into gloom at the start of the New Year following the lender’s decision to close half of its branches in the country.

The London listed commercial bank said on its website that it “employs over 900 staff and sees Nigeria as a growth centre.” More than half of this number will be asked to go home in line with the ongoing restructuring.

Obvioulsy, business has been very bad for the bank in the last few years, coupled with the corona virus pandemic that affected bank business in most part of last year. In response to these headwinds, the commercial bank which operates 25 branches across the country until lately has decided to close down 13 branches for business.

According to Bloomberg, the bank has decided to close down about half its Nigerian branches in order to focus more on digital banking. The news platform quoted insiders in the bank as saying it has faced intense pressure from mobile money providers and now want to play active role in digital banking.

Already, the management of the bank has shut down some of its branches since last December and more are expected to follow in due course, Bloomberg said.

But top sources in the bank informed the magazine on Monday that some employees will have to go in the ongoing restructuring process. “There’s no way the bank can continue to keep staff that are no longer useful to it. The bank has already met with the staff and concerned union and the management are working on the severance package for those that will exit the bank inevitably,” a source in the bank said.

Another source said: “the bank has been facing a tough time. The COVID 19 headwind only made the situation worst. And with the arrays of fintech companies and mobile money providers coming up, the bank must find a way to remain competitive as it tries to strengthen its mobile banking arm. It’s unfortunate that some of our best staff will have to go under this rationalization process”.

Bloomberg quoted sources in the bank as justifying the need to strengthening mobile banking and recruiting agents to reach new customers and handle cash deposits and withdrawals across Nigeria, in response to fintech boom that’s put much of Africa at the cutting edge of the revolution in mobile money.

The report cited Access Bank Plc and First Bank of Nigeria as some of Nigerian banks that have stopped opening more physical branches. Rather, the banks are now building networks of authorized agents and people within communities to sell their products and services in order to cut cost.

Standard Chartered has focused on corporate banking since establishing a presence in Nigeria in 1999. But it’s recently looked to expand its retail base and outlined a target in 2019 to grow the number of its customers to 500,000 in about two years by using digital technology to onboard clients faster.

The lender also plans to start digital lending to process small loans quicker and increase the volume of retail credit, the report said.

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